ALEX Lesson Plans

Title: Become a "ruler" of the ruler!
Description:
In order to practice basic sewing skills, students must be able to read and use a ruler for a variety of tasks. In this hands-on lesson, students will work collaboratively to demonstrate their mastery of how to read "English" units of measurements (inches). Students will learn how to read both 1/8" and 1/16" measurements through the use of yardsticks, rulers, and flexible measuring tape. This lesson can be used as part of a unit or as a remediation for students who will be using a ruler on assignments and projects.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (4) 14: Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b. [4-NF3]

Subject: Human Services (7), or Mathematics (4) Title: Become a "ruler" of the ruler!Description: In order to practice basic sewing skills, students must be able to read and use a ruler for a variety of tasks. In this hands-on lesson, students will work collaboratively to demonstrate their mastery of how to read "English" units of measurements (inches). Students will learn how to read both 1/8" and 1/16" measurements through the use of yardsticks, rulers, and flexible measuring tape. This lesson can be used as part of a unit or as a remediation for students who will be using a ruler on assignments and projects.

Title: The Class Quilt
Description:
Students will design a 12 inch quilt square consisting of geometrical shapes.They must use their knowledge of fractions and polygons in order to create an exact 12" by 12" square.Students will use knowledge of area of a figure in order to create a quilt using their squares.This lesson plan was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science University, GEMS-U Project.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 26: Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties. [5-G4]

Subject: Mathematics (3 - 5) Title: The Class QuiltDescription: Students will design a 12 inch quilt square consisting of geometrical shapes.They must use their knowledge of fractions and polygons in order to create an exact 12" by 12" square.Students will use knowledge of area of a figure in order to create a quilt using their squares.This lesson plan was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science University, GEMS-U Project.

Title: Tangram Fractions
Description:
The teacher will engage the class by reading Grandfather Tang. Students will solve a tangram puzzle. Students will find the fractional value for each piece of the tangram. Students will create a picture using the pieces of the tangram. Students will find the fractional value of their partner's tangram picture. This lesson plan was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science, GEMS Project funded by the Malone Family Foundation.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 11: Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. [5-NF1]

Subject: Mathematics (3 - 5) Title: Tangram FractionsDescription: The teacher will engage the class by reading Grandfather Tang. Students will solve a tangram puzzle. Students will find the fractional value for each piece of the tangram. Students will create a picture using the pieces of the tangram. Students will find the fractional value of their partner's tangram picture. This lesson plan was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science, GEMS Project funded by the Malone Family Foundation.

Title: Quest for The Rajah's Rice
Description:
After reading The Rajah's Rice, a mathematical folktale by Dave Barry, students will complete a WebQuest. The WebQuest includes a compare/contrast activity, a recipe activity, and opportunities for more extensions related to the story.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (4) 14: Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b. [4-NF3]

Subject: Mathematics (3 - 4), or Technology Education (3 - 5) Title: Quest for The Rajah's RiceDescription: After reading The Rajah's Rice, a mathematical folktale by Dave Barry, students will complete a WebQuest. The WebQuest includes a compare/contrast activity, a recipe activity, and opportunities for more extensions related to the story.

Title: Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Description:
During this technology based lesson, students learn how to add and subtract mixed numbers by exploring websites on the Internet. Students demonstrate their knowledge of fractions by participating in practice activities on the Internet.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 16: Solve real-world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. [5-NF6]

Subject: Mathematics (4 - 5), or Technology Education (3 - 5) Title: Adding and Subtracting Mixed NumbersDescription: During this technology based lesson, students learn how to add and subtract mixed numbers by exploring websites on the Internet. Students demonstrate their knowledge of fractions by participating in practice activities on the Internet.

Title: Numerator/Denominator Introduction
Description:
This is an introductory lesson on numerators and denominators. Students will have the opportunity to practice dividing using hands-on activities.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (4) 14: Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b. [4-NF3]

Subject: Mathematics (3 - 4), or Technology Education (3 - 5) Title: Numerator/Denominator IntroductionDescription: This is an introductory lesson on numerators and denominators. Students will have the opportunity to practice dividing using hands-on activities.

Title: My Math Curse!
Description:
Math is a part of our everyday life. Fifth grade students discover how math can help us at home, the store, etc. By exploring the Internet, students practice solving problems they may encounter in life. Their imagination is the limit when they create their own real life problems for their friends to solve.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 16: Solve real-world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. [5-NF6]

Subject: Mathematics (4 - 5), or Technology Education (3 - 5) Title: My Math Curse!Description: Math is a part of our everyday life. Fifth grade students discover how math can help us at home, the store, etc. By exploring the Internet, students practice solving problems they may encounter in life. Their imagination is the limit when they create their own real life problems for their friends to solve.

Thinkfinity Lesson Plans

Title: Investigating Equivalent Fractions with Relationship Rods
Description:
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students investigate the length model by working with relationship rods to find equivalent fractions. Students develop skills in reasoning and problem solving as they explain how two fractions are equivalent (the same length). Relationship rods are wooden or plastic rods in ten different colors, ranging in length from one to ten centimeters.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 12: Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally, and assess the reasonableness of answers. [5-NF2]

Subject: MathematicsTitle: Investigating Equivalent Fractions with Relationship RodsDescription: In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students investigate the length model by working with relationship rods to find equivalent fractions. Students develop skills in reasoning and problem solving as they explain how two fractions are equivalent (the same length). Relationship rods are wooden or plastic rods in ten different colors, ranging in length from one to ten centimeters.Thinkfinity Partner: IlluminationsGrade Span: 3,4,5

Title: Inch by Inch
Description:
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students use an actual ruler to represent various fractions as lengths. This lesson builds on work done in a previous lesson with nonstandard measurement as students use a standard instrument to measure a variety of items. Several pieces of literature appropriate for use with this lesson are suggested.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 19: Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8).
Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. [5-MD2]

Subject: MathematicsTitle: Inch by InchDescription: In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students use an actual ruler to represent various fractions as lengths. This lesson builds on work done in a previous lesson with nonstandard measurement as students use a standard instrument to measure a variety of items. Several pieces of literature appropriate for use with this lesson are suggested.Thinkfinity Partner: IlluminationsGrade Span: 3,4,5

ALEX Learning Assets

Title: Interactive Fraction Comparisons
Digital Tool:
Illuminations:Fraction Game Web Address URL:
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=18 Standard(s):
[MA2013] (5) 11: Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. [5-NF1]Digital Tool Description: This interactive game allows students to practice finding equivalent fractions, and adding fractions

Web Resources

Podcasts

Title: Can a Fraction be a Decimal?
Description:
This podcast discusses how to change fractions and decimals into percentages.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 17: Apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions. (Students able to multiply fractions in general can develop strategies to divide fractions in general by reasoning about the relationship between multiplication and division. However, division of a fraction by a fraction is not a requirement at this grade.)
[5-NF7]

Thinkfinity Informational Materials

Title: Number and Operations Web Links
Description:
This collection of Web links, reviewed and presented by Illuminations, offers teachers and students information about and practice in concepts related to arithmetic. Users can read the Illuminations Editorial Board's review of each Web site, or choose to link directly to the sites.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 26: Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties. [5-G4]

Subject: MathematicsTitle: Number and Operations Web LinksDescription: This collection of Web links, reviewed and presented by Illuminations, offers teachers and students information about and practice in concepts related to arithmetic. Users can read the Illuminations Editorial Board's review of each Web site, or choose to link directly to the sites.Thinkfinity Partner: IlluminationsGrade Span: K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Thinkfinity Interactive Games

Title: Communicating about Mathematics Using Games: Playing Fraction Tracks
Description:
Mathematical games can foster mathematical communication as students explain and justify their moves to one another. In addition, games can motivate students and engage them in thinking about and applying concepts and skills. This e-example from Illuminations contains an interactive version of a game that can be used in the grades 3-5 classroom to support students' learning about fractions. e-Math Investigations are selected e-examples from the electronic version of the Principles and Standards of School Mathematics (PSSM). The e-examples are part of the electronic version of the PSSM document. Given their interactive nature and focused discussion tied to the PSSM document, the e-examples are natural companions to the i-Math investigations.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 26: Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties. [5-G4]

Subject: MathematicsTitle: Communicating about Mathematics Using Games: Playing Fraction TracksDescription: Mathematical games can foster mathematical communication as students explain and justify their moves to one another. In addition, games can motivate students and engage them in thinking about and applying concepts and skills. This e-example from Illuminations contains an interactive version of a game that can be used in the grades 3-5 classroom to support students' learning about fractions. e-Math Investigations are selected e-examples from the electronic version of the Principles and Standards of School Mathematics (PSSM). The e-examples are part of the electronic version of the PSSM document. Given their interactive nature and focused discussion tied to the PSSM document, the e-examples are natural companions to the i-Math investigations.Thinkfinity Partner: IlluminationsGrade Span: 3,4,5

Thinkfinity Learning Activities

Title: Fraction Models
Description:
This student interactive, from Illuminations, explores several representations for fractions using adjustable numerators and denominators. Students can see decimal and percent equivalents, as well as a model that represents each fraction.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (7) 5: Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers. [7-NS2]

Subject: MathematicsTitle: Fraction Models Description: This student interactive, from Illuminations, explores several representations for fractions using adjustable numerators and denominators. Students can see decimal and percent equivalents, as well as a model that represents each fraction.Thinkfinity Partner: IlluminationsGrade Span: 3,4,5,6,7,8

Title: Fraction Game
Description:
This student interactive, from Illuminations, simulates a flash card fraction game. Students flip cards one at a time and try to match the values to the given number lines.
Standard(s): [MA2013] (5) 19: Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8).
Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. [5-MD2]

Subject: MathematicsTitle: Fraction Game Description: This student interactive, from Illuminations, simulates a flash card fraction game. Students flip cards one at a time and try to match the values to the given number lines.Thinkfinity Partner: IlluminationsGrade Span: 3,4,5,6,7,8